Thomas Britt:  

Went to college for three years and then got real smart and quit. I joined the Houston Police Dept. in 1973. Strangely enough, my police academy class included Danny Ramsey, Bruce Raschke and Robert Watson. All of them 1970 Reagan graduates. My career included assignments to patrol, tactical unit, gang unit, dispatch and K-9. The stories are too many to tell here. Suffice it to say I experienced the ride of a lifetime. Working the night shift in a marked patrol car puts you on the front row of the greatest show on earth. The best part is you get paid to witness it. I enjoyed it so much I put off any attempt to promote until late in my career (1993) when I was promoted to sergeant. I also became involved in employee representation and was elected president of the police union. Subsequently, I was either the most hated or loved person on the department depending on who you talked to. Seems like the mayor and chief were always in the hate column, which indicates I was probably doing my job. During this period I was also thrust into the job as chief legislative lobbyist. All I can tell you is lobbyist eat well and travel a lot. There is no doubt the 12 years I dedicated to that endeavor changed my life as much or more than anything. After 35 years the stress finally took its toll on me. I retired in 2008 and went back to college (Sam Houston State) and finished my degree (2010). I was tired of being mad at myself for quitting. School is a lot more fun when your 56. I wish I had enjoyed s...Expand for more